Section 1.4: Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics

The research activities in the section Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics cover various fields. We develop methods and concepts to extract information from large and complex data sets created from remote sensing and in-situ sensors, model simulations and geoarchives. Data mining/machine learning approaches, visual data exploration, data bases and big data technologies are enhanced and adapted to geoscientific requirements. Further, we focus on the definition of future satellite missions, and development of methodological- and application-oriented research addressing the assessment and monitoring of bio- and geophysical parameters in a wide range of scientific disciplines. We hold the role of science principal investigator of the upcoming german hyperspectral mission EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program, www.enmap.org). Our application-oriented research include the topics of soil and land degradation studies, surface deformation, geological exploration, precision agriculture and global vegetation functioning, natural and man-made hazards, and land-atmosphere interactions. We use satellite data from optical multi- and hyperspectral sensors and from active satellite sensors such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR).